“It’s a way of helping shore up people who might want to take their study further.
“We rely heavily on our local EIT Tairāwhiti nursing programme and so it’s our way of funneling talent their way.”
Serita started in July and has worked in Wards 5, 8, and 9 under nurse guidance and loves the chance to help with patient care.
She hopes to begin the polytechnic’s Certificate in Study and Career Preparation in November and, after becoming a healthcare assistant, wants to continue her training to become a nurse.
She may even look at training to be a doctor.
“If I want to get there, then I need to start at the bottom and slowly work up to the top. This is the best way to do it,” she says.
Serita’s Olympic-sized ambition matches her passion for Korean martial art Taekwondo.
She is a black belt in the discipline, and this year took a step closer to chasing her Olympic dream by winning the junior female open black belt division at New Zealand’s premiere event the Kukkiwon Cup in Auckland.
The win has earned her a place at the 2024 World Taekwondo Championships to be held in Korea.
“If I’m not working at the hospital, I’m studying, and if I’m not studying, I’m training,” says Serita, who adds gym workouts and netball to her fitness regimen.
Mr Huntington says he won’t be surprised if Serita achieves both her sporting and career goals.
“She’s got the right attitude to go far.”
